Visualizing Data on Non-Flat, Non-Rectangular Displays (Dagstuhl Seminar 25082)

Abstract

Experiences with data, visualization, and computing more broadly are mediated via flat, rectangular displays. However, an exciting range of new display technologies, including flexible, spherical, physical, and even robotic and drone-based displays, have recently emerged and are increasingly commercially available. These novel types of displays offer new ways to represent, explore, communicate, and share data, yet there is very little understanding of how to best utilize these novel form factors for data visualizations. This Dagstuhl Seminar aimed to escape from the display flatland that characterizes research in visualization, and to create a roadmap for future research on interactive non-flat displays. Bringing together researchers from data visualization, human-computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, tangible interaction, mobile and wearable technologies, and design, we surveyed the landscape of emerging technologies, ideated future opportunities for visualization on non-flat displays, and outlined a common research agenda for this emerging area.